DocFest Develops

A banner with text reading 'DocFest Develops - Empowering the next generation of storytellers.'

Our development initiatives support emerging and mid-level filmmakers and artists to grow in confidence, creativity, and craft.

Through training, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration across documentary - including our long-running Youth Jury and career-focused training schemes - we are committed to empowering the next generation of storytellers.

Volunteer at Sheffield DocFest 2026

Our DocCrew volunteers play a vital part in bringing the festival to life, while gaining hands-on experience in a range of roles.

Applications for DocCrew 2026 are now open (closing date 1st May 2026).

Find out more
Four young people stand in front of a pink step and repeat in black DocCrew t-shirts.

"Something I Want You To Know..." Mini-Doc - Call For Entries open

Sheffield DocFest and ArtWorks Together invite UK-based adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to submit short documentaries, shaped around the theme "Something I Want You to Know...".

Find out more
A poster for the 'Something I Want You To Know...' Mini-Doc call for entries

Mini-Doc Filmmaking Workshop

On Saturday 14th March at Showroom 5, Showroom Cinema, Sheffield, we're running a hands-on workshop for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, in which you will learn how to tell stories in visual and interesting ways, through the art of documentary film.

It's the perfect opportunity to learn practical filmmaking skills if you're working towards making your own 3-minute mini-doc for our "Something I Want You To Know..." call for entries.

Book tickets
A poster for the mini-doc filmmaking workshop Sheffield DocFest is running

Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture traineeships

We have partnered with Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture to provide two traineeships to young people from Rotherham in the lead up to Sheffield DocFest 2026.

Our trainees Tom and Fin have both gained valuable experience working in key festival roles, whilst also coordinating a programme of dedicated community events.

FInd out more about their work
The Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture logo

DocCritic Programme

Our brand-new DocCritic Programme invites student voices to craft sharp, engaging short reviews and written content, developing the voices of the next generation of film critics. 

This programme aims to mentor and develop the students' voice to create written and verbal content to support our filmmakers from the First Feature strand. 

The students' words will help spotlight their work across our website and social media channels - shaping how audiences discover and experience these stories.

Applications for our DocCritic Programme are currently closed. If you're interested in being involved with our next cohort, get in touch below.

Email getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
A Sheffield DocFest volunteer looks across a staircase.

Work experience at Sheffield DocFest

We work with educational organisations and local employment charities to offer structured office-based placements and work experience within our year-round team as part of the curriculum and enrichment programme.

If you are a student who needs employability credits as part of your course, or if you are a local organisation looking for opportunities for students and/or service users to gain valuable employability skills in an arts and culture setting, get in touch below.

Email getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
A girl holds a camera whilst working as a volunteer at a festival.

Guest lectures from the DocFest team

We offer in-person and online talks for students studying a range of topics. This can be anything from film programming to fundraising for a film; from events management to delivering a festival.

If you are interested in one of our team members talking to your students, please get in touch below.

Email getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
A woman presents a speech at an event.

The Music Library

This year, we have teamed up with WaterBear - The College of Music to provide its students with the opportunity to compose electronic scores for use in our official 2026 festival assets.

If you're interested in working with us on a similar initiative, reach out to the team by clicking the button below.

Email getinvolved@sheffdocfest.com
A screenshot from the Sheffield DocFest 2025 trailer.

Previous DocFest Develops initiatives

Our Partners